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TOWN OF JACKSON- The massive gas spill in Washington County is making life difficult for residents.

17 private wells have now been contaminated with gasoline, according to a release from the West Shore Pipe Line late Wednesday evening.  12 of the private wells reflected benzene levels above the federal standard of five parts per billion; five of the private wells had benzene levels below the federal standard.

TODAY'S TMJ4 reports that Jackson residents are making the tough decision to temporarily leave their homes, or stay and try to live without being able to use any water.
 
The pipeline company has offered to pay for hotels for anyone inside the Flush Only Advisory.

Judy Pleugers and her husband got a hotel for Wednesday, just to be able to shower, but she says they are staying home to take care of her ill mother.

"It's been a major inconvenience," said Pleugers.  "It's been scary.  We're all concerned about our health."
 
She worries about the water she used before the Flush Only Advisory was issued Tuesday.
 
"We've been drinking the water for two weeks.  We weren't told not to drink the water," described Pleugers
 
But just down the street, the Dzik's are moving into a hotel for the time being.
 
"We didn't leave right away because we wanted to stay here and get our stuff together before we left," said Dzik.

For those neighbors in the Flush Only Zone, and who decide to go to a hotel, the Washington County Sheriff's Office has promised to step up patrols to make sure the homes are safe.
 
Company officials told TODAY'S TMJ4 they will plan for hotels and clean-up as long as it takes.

A claims center and hotline for residents affected by the release has been established:

Claims Center
Comfort Inn
W 227 N 16890 Tillie Lake Court
Jackson, WI 53037
Open daily 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT
 
Claims Hotline
866-837-5016
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT